SNAP FAQ

To be eligible for SNAP in Iowa, you must:

• be a resident of Iowa
• be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. non-citizen national, or an eligible non-citizen
• meet income guidelines
• provide all information Iowa HHS requests

Eligibility is based on monthly income by household size. (October 1 through September 30)

You can apply for SNAP in Iowa using three different methods.

1. Online (recommended): via the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal or the Iowa.gov SNAP page
2. Phone: Call (855) 944-3663, Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm
3. Paper: Mail, fax, email, or drop off your application to a local HHS office.

After you submit your application with a signed signature, you will be contacted for a phone interview. A decision will be made within 30 days after your interview. Once you’re approved, you will receive your EBT card in roughly 10 days. 

Yes. You may designate an authorized representative to help complete the application and interview on your behalf.

How much money you receive from SNAP will depend on:

• Your household income, including money earned from jobs and payments from things like Social Security
• Your deductible expenses
• How many people live with you

Benefits are deposited onto EBT cards within the first 10 days of each month.

As of January 1, 2026, SNAP can only be used to purchase non-taxable items in Iowa. Taxable items such as candy and soda are not allowed. This follows Iowa's SNAP Healthy Foods Waiver.

Before your certification period ends, Iowa HHS sends a recertification form and notice of expiration. You must submit the form by the due date and attend an interview if required; most interviews are conducted by phone. Documentation for income, expenses, and related items may be requested.

You must report certain changes. Failure to report on time may result in overpayments or penalties. All households are required to report the following three things by the 10th of the month after they happen: 

• When its total gross income goes over the gross income limit for the household’s size, or 
• When an able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) who was working at least 80 hours stops working 80 hours, or 
• When anyone in the household receives lottery or gambling winnings of $4,500 or more in a single lottery/gambling win.

You can report changes by calling 1-877-347-5678.

If you already receive SNAP, you can access your account information on the web at www.connectebt.com. There is no charge for using this online access.

If you believe you have been a victim of EBT fraud:

• Contact EBT Customer Service immediately at 800-359-5802 to report the fraud and request a replacement card.
• SNAP benefits that have been stolen cannot be replaced. To keep your card safe, view our tips and recommendations.

If you lose your card, you can request a replacement by contacting EBT Customer Service at 1-800‑359‑5802. Replacement cards typically arrive in 5 to 7 days after reporting missing.